Balotelli downs England as Italy win 2-1 in World Cup

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Balotelli downs England as Italy win 2-1 in World Cup

Italy's forward Mario Balotelli © heads the ball to score a goal as England's goalkeeper Joe Hart (L) and England's defender Gary Cahill - FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

Mario Balotelli came back to haunt England with the winning goal as Italy began their World Cup campaign with a 2-1 win over England in Manaus on Saturday.

Claudio Marchisio had given the Italians a 35th minute lead with a rasping low drive into the bottom corner but Daniel Sturridge converted Wayne Rooney's deep cross to the back post just two minutes later to equalise.

Just five minutes into the second period, Balotelli headed home Antonio Candreva's cross from close range.

The result leaves England in a desperate situation ahead of their next match against Uruguay, who earlier were stunned 3-1 by Costa Rica, in Sao Paulo on June 19.

Neither side can afford to lose that match and even a draw would leave them perhaps relying on other results to get through to the last 16.

"Italy were a very good team tonight and we fell a bit short," said England captain Steven Gerrard.

"But we're still very much alive in this group."

Italy were worthy winners with Andrea Pirlo almost putting some gloss on the result deep into injury time with a free-kick that crashed back off the bar.

England's performance was full of flair and and an immeasureable improvement on their dire quarter-final defeat to the same opponents at Euro 2012 on penalties after a 0-0 draw.

But they still have not beaten Italy since 1977 and the difference between the two sides was Italy's clinical use of the ball in the final third.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-06-15

[chooka]

Has it started? Who is Australia playing?

[JoeLing]

To all my British friends, I could have put but looks more appropriate.

Now, I'm very sorry you're all having a seriously depressing day

but please, wait with jumping from any high rise buildings in Pattaya.

People might assume you're one of those quality tourists, so for now,
just burn those t-shirts and stay depressed.

There will be a few more games you will lose and Baiyoke Tower

might sound like paradise, for the "Not so Amazing Expat"

Brings a complete new meaning to the "Tourists bouncing back" picture

[angiud]

Ouch....l

Sent from my iPad using ThaiVisa app

[Mavrix]

Has it started? Who is Australia playing?

Given who you follow in the AFL, you should be all over the World Cup

[chooka]

Has it started? Who is Australia playing?

Given who you follow in the AFL, you should be all over the World Cup

no interest, still glued to the TV today watching football which takes priority over soccer. When the football season is over the cricket season starts.